Drama prevails on Day 2 of anti-encroachment drive

High drama prevailed on Day 2 of the municipal corporation's anti-encroachment drive at Jawahar Nagar Camp, after some residents claimed to have received injuries from the debris.

Even as about 250 illegal structures were razed in the drive on Wednesday, three women claimed to have suffered injuries while they were watching the demolition of their houses by JCB machines.

Irked over the incident, residents resorted to protest, following which authorities had to halt the drive for a while.

Two of the injured, Veena Dhingra and Nisha, were admitted in private hospitals, while another resident was provided treatment for minor injuries.

Veena's son Raman Dhingra said the administration should have ensured proper evacuation of houses before going ahead with their demolition.

He alleged that his mother received injuries from the debris of a house that was being razed.

However, Zone A assistant town planner (ATP) Kamaljeet Kaur, who was present on the spot, alleged that the women suffered injuries when they themselves brought down some illegal structures while trying to save some items.

“The residents deliberately suffered injuries, so they could halt the anti-encroachment drive,” she alleged. Rajinder Singh, ATP, Zone D, where the drive was conducted, refuted the allegations of having failed in evacuating houses, adding that residents were well aware that a demolition drive was going on, so there was no reason to remain on the spot and invite injuries.

He said the women did not suffer injuries due to the drive, adding that the JCB machines had not reached the area, when the women got injured.

He denied having information about the women being hospitalised due to injuries. The drive will continue on Thursday.